UK’s Environment Agency chief admits regulator buries freedom of information requests because the truth is too “embarrassing” theguardian.com/environment/ar…

Pretty astonishing detail — Sunak told Martyn Hett's mother on the anniversary of the Manchester bombing that legislation in his name would be presented to Parliament before summer recess, and then proceeded to call an election the same day.

Rishi Sunak taking a brave approach to small talk at a brewery in Wales.

He asked workers if they're looking forward to 'all the football'. One quickly pointed out that Wales haven't qualified for the Euros 😬

Times insider account says Ben Houchen winning third term as Tees Valley Mayor had a big influence on PM's general election date decision

Downing Street source: “We had broadly made [the] decision to go [for 4 July]... When Houchen won, that was it'

thetimes.co.uk/article/inside…

I think it is pretty obvious that UK Labour REALLY didn't want to take Vaughan Gething's donation money but the FM is trying to act like this isn't the case.

The videos below are from the same BBC Wales Live show last night.

Let's compare UK Labour's Nia Griffith with

When will we next have the government sitting in the parliament?

Election campaign for 6 weeks.
New Parliament sits on 17th July Recess for summer holidays
Party conference season.

That takes us to October

A genuine question. At 1245 this afternoon the PM told a grieving mother on the anniversary of her son’s death that he would introduce legislation (“before summer recess”) in her son’s name. How is that reconcilable with knowing he was about to call an election?

In his own election campaign Ben Houchen said he'd work with whoever was in government to deliver for Teesside.

Now he's saying he needs Tory MPs to deliver what he's promised.

Given the number of pre-prepared videos being shared by Labour candidates since the announcement, perhaps the Tories could have articulated their strategy internally beforehand, too?

‘I’ve called a general election by mistake’

Tory MPs presenting on GB News when the election is announced

Trying very hard not to laugh at this

Been at the Met Police briefing on Grenfell investigation:

- Charging files will not go to prosecutors until 2026
- Decision on charges not until end of 2026
- Trials will not start for at least six months after that

Will be over a decade after fire before anyone is in court

why is a civil service department pushing Tory campaign lines

Ben Houchen, 29th March: I'm not whipped by any political party.

Ben Houchen, 21st May: Votes in the House of Lords with the Conservative whip.

Here's my interview with Angela Rayner 🌹 about The Labour Party's plans to build New Towns and affordable homes. “Working with mayors like Tracy, who know their areas..I know we will get those affordable homes off the ground.” The Yorkshire Post Tracy Brabin WY 🌹

yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/labou…

The Tees Valley review raised value for £ concerns about some further proposed deals with the Teesworks developers.

South Tees Development Corporation then appears to have told them it was no longer pursuing the deals.

It turns out that it is

on.ft.com/3VahA7q

'what is the charge? enjoying a fight? a succulent heavyweight boxing fight????'

theguardian.com/sport/article/…

STDC is negotiating a deal where the public sector is liable for contamination at Teesworks.

It told the Tees Valley Review it had abandoned these plans.

Brilliant from Jennifer Williams as usual.
ft.com/content/7b915b…

I wonder if there's a way of defining the cohort of people who disagree with rainbow lanyards.